Scout Notes

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 99, 28 April 1941, Page 7

Scout Notes

Duty to God An old British cliioftain, some thirteen hundred years ago, said: “Our life has always seemed to mo like the flight of a sparrow through the grant hall, when one is sitting at meals with a log lire blazing on the hearth, while all is storm and darkness outside. He comes in, no one knows from where, and hovers for a short time in the warmth and light, and then flies forth again into tho darkness. And so it is with the life of a man; ho comes no one knows from where; he is here in the world for a short time; till he flics forth again no one knows whither. But now you show us that if we do our duty during our life we shall not fly out into the darkness again, when life is ended, since Christ lias opened a door for us to enter a brighter room, a heaven where we can go and dwell in peace for ever.” This old chief was speaking for all the chiefs of northern England when King Edwin had introduced to them a knowledge of the Christian religion; and they adopted it then and there as one more comforting to them than their old Pagan worship of heathen gods; and ever since those days tho Christian religion has been the cne to rule our country* . . The old knights who were the scouts o£ tho nation, were very religious. They were always eareful to attend religious services especially before going into battle or undertaking any serious difficulty. They considered it was the right thing always to be prepared for death. In the great church of Malta you can see to-day where the old knights used to pray, and they all stood up and drew their swords during the reading of the Creed, as a sign that they were prepared to defend tho Gospel with their swords and lives. Besides worshiping God in church, they always recognised His work in the things which He made, such as animals, plants and scenerj*. And so it is with peace scouts to-day that wherever they go they love the woodlands, the mountains and the prairies, and they like to watcu and know about animals that inhabit them, and the wonders of the flowers and plants. No man is much good unless he believes iu God uud obeys His laws . 3rd P.N. West End There was no parade- on Easter Monday as we thougnt the majority of the scouts would be away on holiday. Nevertheless some of the scouts were not inactive in that they went camping. It is interesting to see how much time the scouts have spent under canvas during the last two years. There have been two camps during the Christmas holidays on Mr. Htockdalc’s property. Separate patrol week-end camps were held one year when the patrol leaders themselves made all arrangements. Also troop week-end camps have been held twice while one year a winter camp was held. A novel idea wus a cycle tour round Marion and Wanganui. Humorous incidents have oftou happened and tend to keep alive tho happy memories of past camps. Never will we forget the day when Pinky went for a tour of investigation through the woods with only his shorts on. Suddenly he came

across some boe hives and one beo took to our Pinky stinging him rudely as he tore back home. 10th P.N. St. Peters After inspection, which was taken by P.L. Frank Smith as “ Little Wolf’ ’ could not arrive until 8 o ’clock and Troop Leader Burrel was down with mumps. When “Little Wolf” arrived we had a game of tracking the Kingfishers and Kiwis going out. After tracking we had a game of big ring from which points were taken. We welcomed Clem. Elphick and Vein Matthews into the troop for they had passed from the Cubs up to the Scouts. Towards the end of the evening the library was opened but tho attendance was very poor for such a convenient institution. At the end of the meeting it was announced that the next meeting would be held next Thursday instead oi : Friday because of Anzac services. It

was also announced that some boys would go out in the bush on Saturday and get some leaves for their naturalist badge; it was later learned that the outing was very successful. When leaving it was found that the Kingfishers had won the night 's points leading the following patrol by 3 points. After the meeting there was a Court of Honour. 3rd P.N. West End Cub Pack There was no parade on Easter Monday but several enthusiastic Cubs turned up. Scouter Tawharu sent them home but showed them a number of badges ho hud secured and which they could pass. Doubtless all members of the Pack will now be keen to win some of the awards. 2nd P.N. Terrace End After inspection, which at our last meeting was w r on by tho Weka Patrol, our Scouter read to us another chapter of “Scouting For Boys.” After this we did exorcises to warm us up and then we commenced scout work. Our Scouter tested several boys who are going for their pathfinders’ badge and stated that they are now ready to be tested by the examiner. Later on in the evening we had a game of Rats and Rabbits and it took quito a while to get everyone out. For tho inter-patrol I handball competition the Weka Patrol played the Kiwi Patrol and as the game resulted in a draw tho two patrols tossed up for it. Tho Kiwi Patrol won the toss. After this we bad a game of dodgebull. We now issue a challenge to the St. Pat’s Troop in a game of handball. Would that troop please note this and make tho arrangements and notify us as soon as possible?